Pre-op Esophagus Challenges

[TraciLJ 0]

I had a couple of tests done today. One was a manometry, which tests how the esophagus is working. Well, turns out the top and mid areas of my esophagus are not working correctly…they aren’t contracting enough. The doc thinks this may be due to my GERD and has prescribed a stronger medication for me to try for a month. Then I get to do the horrible test over again.

Has anyone else had this problem before? Did it correct itself? Were you still able to get the band?

Thanks,

TJ

[GeezerSue 7]

I didn't, but....

interestingly enough, I think I've read that, for people with GERD and relux pre-band, the band seems to cure the problem for a lot of people. Unfortunately, for those who are fine, GERD and reflux become a possibility.

Weird, huh?

Sue

[TraciLJ 0]

Thanks for responding, Geezer Sue! I had heard that the band can "cure" GERD. I was kind of hoping it would. However, if my esophogus doesn't start acting like a good esophagus should, I may not be able to get the band. Which leaves my only other WLS option as the RNY...and that is not an option for me.

I'm just going to try to keep my thoughts positive and keep poppin' those pills the doc gave me.

-TJ

[tackleberry 0]

FYI, I was banded on 11/17/03, and one of my "comorbidities", if you even can call it that, was GERD. My surgeon did an UGI to rule out hernias, there were none.

Since my surgery, my GERD has vanished! I suffered from this for almost 15 years and lived on Prevacid. I have not had one incidence of reflux since my surgery! So yes, the surgery does "cure" GERD.

[TraciLJ 0]

Tackleberry:

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I was hoping that the band would cure (I wasn't sure that was the right word to use) the symptoms of GERD. So you don't have to take any Nexium/Prevacid type pills anymore?

I'm really hoping that the GERD is what is causing the esophagus problems I'm having, as it will help make the case to my insurance company.

[tackleberry 0]

Not only am I off of the Prevacid, I am no longer having to take any diabetes oral medications. Also, I should be able to stop my blood pressure medications before too long.

[Kvonbe 0]

I am 2 years post op .... have lost 101 pounds and recently have been experiencing acid reflux at night. I cannot imagine living with it long term UGH!!!!! I finally broke down and bought some Prilosec OTC and finally today after taking it for 3 days feel like ME again. The nights awake and miserable were wearing on me. Anyone develop AC GERD like this?